A good night's sleep is just as important as regular exercise and a healthy diet. Research shows that poor sleep has immediate negative effects on your hormones, exercise performance and brain function. It can also cause weight gain and increase disease risk in both adults and children. In contrast, good sleep can help you eat less, exercise better and be healthier. Over the past few decades, both sleep quality and quantity has declined. In fact, many people regularly get poor sleep. If
you want to optimize your health or lose weight, then getting a good
night's sleep is one of the most important things you can do. Here are 17 evidence-based tips to sleep better at night.
Your body has a natural time-keeping clock known as your circadian rhythm. It affects your brain, body and hormones, helping you stay awake and telling your body when it's time to sleep. Natural sunlight or bright light during the day helps keep your circadian rhythm healthy. This improves daytime energy, as well as nighttime sleep quality and duration. In
people with insomnia, daytime bright light exposure improved sleep
quality and duration. It also reduced the time it took to fall asleep by
83%. A
similar study in older adults found that two hours of bright light
exposure during the day increased the amount of sleep by two hours and
sleep efficiency by 80%. While
most research is in people with severe sleep issues, daily light
exposure will most likely help you even if you experience average sleep. Try getting daily sunlight exposure or — if this is not practical — invest in an artificial bright-light device or bulbs.
Summary Daily
sunlight or artificial bright light can improve sleep quality and
duration, especially if you have severe sleep issues or insomnia.
Exposure to light during the day is beneficial, but nighttime light exposure has the opposite effect . Again,
this is due to its impact on your circadian rhythm, tricking your brain
into thinking it is still daytime. This reduces hormones like
melatonin, which help you relax and get deep sleep. Blue light — which electronic devices like smartphones and computers emit in large amounts — is the worst in this regard. There are several popular methods you can use to reduce nighttime blue light exposure. These include:
Wear glasses that block blue light.
Download an app such as f.lux to block blue light on your laptop or computer.
Install an app that blocks blue light on your smartphone. These are available for both iPhones and Android models.
Stop watching TV and turn off any bright lights two hours before heading to bed.
Summary Blue
light tricks your body into thinking it's daytime. There are several
ways you can reduce blue light exposure in the evening.
Caffeine has numerous benefits and is consumed by 90% of the US population. A single dose can enhance focus, energy and sports performance. However,
when consumed late in the day, coffee stimulates your nervous system
and may stop your body from naturally relaxing at night. In one study, consuming caffeine up to six hours before bed significantly worsened sleep quality. Caffeine
can stay elevated in your blood for 6–8 hours. Therefore, drinking
large amounts of coffee after 3–4 p.m. is not recommended — especially
if you are sensitive to caffeine or have trouble sleeping. If you do crave a cup of coffee in the late afternoon or evening, stick with decaffeinated coffee.
Summary Caffeine can significantly worsen sleep quality, especially if you drink large amounts in the late afternoon or evening.
While short power naps are beneficial, long or irregular napping during the day can negatively affect your sleep. Sleeping in the daytime can confuse your internal clock, meaning that you may struggle to sleep at night. In fact, in one study, participants ended up being sleepier during the day after taking daytime naps . Another
study noted that while napping for 30 minutes or less can enhance
daytime brain function, longer naps can negatively affect health and
sleep quality. However,
some studies demonstrate that those who are used to taking regular
daytime naps do not experience poor sleep quality or disrupted sleep at
night. If you take regular daytime naps and sleep well, you shouldn’t have to worry. The effects of napping depend on the individual.
Summary Long daytime naps may impair sleep quality. If you have trouble sleeping at night, stop napping or shorten your naps.
Your body's circadian rhythm functions on a set loop, aligning itself with sunrise and sunset. Being consistent with your sleep and waking times can aid long-term sleep quality. One study noted that participants who had irregular sleeping patterns and went to bed late on the weekends reported poor sleep. Other
studies have highlighted that irregular sleep patterns can alter your
circadian rhythm and levels of melatonin, which signal your brain to
sleep. If
you struggle with sleep, try to get in the habit of waking up and going
to bed at similar times. After several weeks, you may not even need an
alarm.
Summary Try to get into a regular
sleep/wake cycle — especially on the weekends. If possible, try to wake
up naturally at a similar time every day.
Melatonin is a key sleep hormone that tells your brain when it's time to relax and head to bed. Melatonin supplements are an extremely popular sleep aid. Often used to treat insomnia, melatonin may be one of the easiest ways to fall asleep faster. In
one study, 2 mg of melatonin before bed improved sleep quality and
energy the next day and helped people fall asleep faster. In another
study, half of the group fell asleep faster and had a 15% improvement in
sleep quality. Additionally, no withdrawal effects were reported in either of the above studies. Melatonin
is also useful when traveling and adjusting to a new time zone, as it
helps your body's circadian rhythm return to normal. In
some countries, you need a prescription for melatonin. In others,
melatonin is widely available in stores or online. Take around 1–5 mg
30–60 minutes before bed. Start with a low dose to assess your
tolerance, and then increase it slowly as needed. Since melatonin may
alter brain chemistry, it is advised that you check with a medical
professional before use. You should also speak with a healthcare provider if you're thinking about using melatonin as a sleep aid for your child, as long-term use of this supplement in children has not been well studied.
Summary A
melatonin supplement is an easy way to improve sleep quality and fall
asleep faster. Take 1–5 mg around 30–60 minutes before heading to bed.
Several supplements can induce relaxation and help you sleep, including:
Ginkgo biloba:
A natural herb with many benefits, it may aid in sleep, relaxation and
stress reduction, but the evidence is limited. Take 250 mg 30–60 minutes
before bed.
Glycine: A few studies show that 3 grams of the amino acid glycine can improve sleep quality.
Valerian root: Several studies suggest that valerian can help you fall asleep and improve sleep quality. Take 500 mg before bed .
Magnesium: Responsible for over 600 reactions within your body, magnesium can improve relaxation and enhance sleep quality.
L-theanine: An amino acid, l-theanine can improve relaxation and sleep. Take 100–200 mg before bed.
Lavender: A powerful herb with many health benefits, lavender can induce a
calming and sedentary effect to improve sleep. Take 80–160 mg containing
25–46% linalool.
Make
sure to only try these supplements one at a time. While they are no
magic bullet for sleep issues, they can be useful when combined with
other natural sleeping strategies.
Summary Several
supplements, including lavender and magnesium, can help with relaxation
and sleep quality when combined with other strategies.
Downing a couple of drinks at night can negatively affect your sleep and hormones. Alcohol is known to cause or increase the symptoms of sleep apnea, snoring and disrupted sleep patterns. It also alters nighttime melatonin production, which plays a key role in your body's circadian rhythm . Another study found that alcohol consumption at night decreased the natural nighttime elevations in human growth hormone (HGH), which plays a role in your circadian rhythm and has many other key functions.
Summary Avoid alcohol before bed, as it can reduce nighttime melatonin production and lead to disrupted sleep patterns.
Many people believe that the bedroom environment and its setup are key factors in getting a good night's sleep. These factors include temperature, noise, external lights and furniture arrangement. Numerous studies point out that external noise, often from traffic, can cause poor sleep and long-term health issues. In
one study on the bedroom environment of women, around 50% of
participants noticed improved sleep quality when noise and light
diminished. To
optimize your bedroom environment, try to minimize external noise,
light and artificial lights from devices like alarm clocks. Make sure
your bedroom is a quiet, relaxing, clean and enjoyable place.
Summary Optimize your bedroom environment by eliminating external light and noise to get better sleep.
Body and bedroom temperature can also profoundly impact sleep quality. As
you may have experienced during the summer or in hot locations, it can
be very hard to get a good night's sleep when it's too warm. One study found that bedroom temperature affected sleep quality more than external noise. Other studies reveal that increased body and bedroom temperature can decrease sleep quality and increase wakefulness. Around 70°F (20°C) seems to be a comfortable temperature for most people, although it depends on your preferences and habits.
Summary Test different temperatures to find out which is most comfortable for you. Around 70°F (20°C) is best for most people.
Late-night eating may negatively impact both sleep quality and the natural release of HGH and melatonin. That said, the quality and type of your late-night snack may play a role as well. In one study, a high-carb meal eaten four hours before bed helped people fall asleep faster . Interestingly, one study discovered that a low-carb diet also improved sleep, indicating that carbs are not always necessary — especially if you are used to a low-carb diet.
Summary Consuming
a large meal before bed can lead to poor sleep and hormone disruption.
However, certain meals and snacks a few hours before bed may help.
Many people have a pre-sleep routine that helps them relax. Relaxation
techniques before bed have been shown to improve sleep quality and are
another common technique used to treat insomnia. In one study, a relaxing massage improved sleep quality in people who were ill. Strategies include listening to relaxing music, reading a book, taking a hot bath, meditating, deep breathing and visualization. Try out different methods and find what works best for you.
Summary Relaxation techniques before bed, including hot baths and meditation, may help you fall asleep.
A relaxing bath or shower is another popular way to sleep better. Studies indicate that they can improve overall sleep quality and help people — especially older adults — fall asleep faster. In one study, a hot bath 90 minutes before bed improved sleep quality and helped people get more deep sleep. Alternatively,
if you don't want to take a full bath at night, simply bathing your
feet in hot water can help you relax and improve sleep.
Summary A warm bath, shower or foot bath before bed can help you relax and improve your sleep quality.
An underlying health condition may be the cause of your sleep problems. One
common issue is sleep apnea, which causes inconsistent and interrupted
breathing. People with this disorder stop breathing repeatedly while
sleeping. This condition may be more common than you think. One review claimed that 24% of men and 9% of women have sleep apnea. Other
common medically diagnosed issues include sleep movement disorders and
circadian rhythm sleep/wake disorders, which are common in shift workers. If you've always struggled with sleep, it may be wise to consult with your doctor.
Summary There
are many common conditions that can cause poor sleep, including sleep
apnea. See a doctor if poor sleep is a consistent problem in your life.
Some people wonder why they always sleep better in a hotel. Apart from the relaxing environment, bed quality can also affect sleep. One
study looked at the benefits of a new mattress for 28 days, revealing
that it reduced back pain by 57%, shoulder pain by 60% and back
stiffness by 59%. It also improved sleep quality by 60%. Other
studies point out that new bedding can enhance sleep. Additionally,
poor-quality bedding can lead to increased lower-back pain. The
best mattress and bedding is extremely subjective. If you are upgrading
your bedding, base your choice on personal preference. It is recommended that you upgrade your bedding at least every 5–8 years. If
you haven't replaced your mattress or bedding for several years, this
can be a very quick — although possibly expensive — fix.
Summary Your
bed, mattress and pillow can greatly impact sleep quality and joint or
back pain. Try to buy a high-quality mattress and bedding every 5–8
years.
Exercise is one of the best science-backed ways to improve your sleep and health. It can enhance all aspects of sleep and has been used to reduce symptoms of insomnia. One study in older adults determined that exercise nearly halved the amount of time it took to fall asleep and provided 41 more minutes of sleep at night. In
people with severe insomnia, exercise offered more benefits than most
drugs. Exercise reduced time to fall asleep by 55%, total night
wakefulness by 30% and anxiety by 15% while increasing total sleep time
by 18%. Although daily exercise is key for a good night's sleep, performing it too late in the day may cause sleep problems. This
is due to the stimulatory effect of exercise, which increases alertness
and hormones like epinephrine and adrenaline. However, some studies
show no detrimental effects, so it clearly depends on the individual .
Summary Regular exercise during daylight hours is one of the best ways to ensure a good night's sleep.
Nocturia is the medical term for excessive urination during the night. It affects sleep quality and daytime energy. Drinking large amounts of liquids before bed can lead to similar symptoms, though some people are more sensitive than others. Although hydration is vital for your health, it is wise to reduce your fluid intake in the late evening. Try not to drink any fluids 1–2 hours before going to bed. You should also use the bathroom right before going to bed, as this may decrease your chances of waking in the night.
Summary Reduce fluid intake in the late evening and try to use the bathroom right before bed.
Sleep plays a key role in your health. One large review linked insufficient sleep to an increased obesity risk of 89% in children and 55% in adults. Other studies conclude that less than 7–8 hours per night increases your risk of developing heart disease and type 2 diabetes. If you are interested in optimal health and wellbeing, then you should make sleep a top priority and incorporate some of the tips above.
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